Published on: February 25, 2026, 08:19h.
Updated on: February 25, 2026, 08:19h.
- Legislation in Indiana aims to permit a new gaming resort in Allen, DeKalb, or Steuben County
- Full House Resorts has stepped away from operating its Rising Star Casino in Ohio County
- The Indiana casino bill has been revised to introduce a substantial $150 million licensing fee
The state Senate approved a bill to enable a casino in Northeastern Indiana on Tuesday, following significant amendments to the original proposal.
Full House Resorts has been advocating for permission to close its Rising Star Casino in Rising Sun and relocate to a more profitable market. An economic analysis commissioned by the Indiana Gaming Commission highlighted that Fort Wayne, the state’s second-largest city, is significantly underserved in terms of casino options.
The Indiana Senate cast a narrow vote in favor of House Bill 1038, which had previously passed the House, by a 26-22 margin. However, this decision followed extensive amendments to the bill.
Will Any Casino Take on the Fort Wayne Fee?
While considering HB1038, the Senate made significant alterations to the bill. Contrarily to previous drafts that would have revoked the Rising Sun casino license and maintained the state gaming licenses at 13, HB1038 now expands the state casino market to 14 licenses, permitting Rising Star to continue operating.
Wayne County has been excluded from potential host counties, leaving only Allen, DeKalb, and Steuben eligible for the construction of a new casino. The revised bill also allows “any operator of a brick-and-mortar casino in the United States” to apply for the gaming license provided by HB1038.
Applications for the new concession will need to precisely identify the county and location of the casino, along with conceptual plans, a development timeline, market studies, feasibility assessments, and proof of the applicant’s financial capabilities. The minimum required investment for the venture remains at $500 million.
“This will be more than just a gaming floor; it will be a genuine destination development featuring hotel accommodations, dining, and entertainment options,” stated state Sen. Justin Busch (R-Fort Wayne) in remarks to the Indiana Capital Chronicle. “This guarantees a transformative and long-term investment for Northeast Indiana.”
One of the most significant changes is the substantial increase of the licensing fee for the proposed casino in Allen, DeKalb, or Steuben from $80 million to $150 million.
The state will receive $100 million to add to its General Fund, while the other $50 million will go to a “shuttered riverboat” fund designated for Ohio County if the Rising Star Casino is closed.
Next Steps
Following the amendments made by the Indiana Senate, HB1038 must now return to the lower chamber of the General Assembly for further consideration.
Differing from other Indiana casinos that received authorizations, residents in the potential host county will not have a vote on whether their locality will welcome slot machines and table games.
“We’ve been told there might be significant opposition and it could fail. What a dreadful idea that the public isn’t allowed to decide,” remarked Sen. Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne), one of the dissenting votes against HB1038.